Elevators and Escalators

Easier access at TTC stations

TTC elevators serve 45 of the system's 75 stations. These elevators are specially designed for people using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, other mobility devices or with baby strollers. The TTC also operates and maintains escalators throughout the subway system.

Elevator/Escalator operating status

The Elevator Service Status Line is 416 539-5438 (LIFT). Updates on the operating status of TTC elevators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To get an update on the operating status of escalators, as well as elevators, you can also call the 24-hour TTC Information Line at 416 393-4636 (INFO) and press 5 (or TTY 416 481-2523). The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To speak to a Customer Information Representative, call between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily (except statutory holidays) and press 0 at any time.

You can also register and subscribe to automated elevator outage notifications via My TTC e-Services.

The TTC’s elevator installation project (Easier Access Phase 3) is scheduled to make the remaining stations accessible by 2025 with the addition of elevators, easier access fare gates, automatic sliding doors and other modifications. View the Easier Access schedule.

Riding the elevators

In the event that your TTC elevator breaks down while you are on board, or is out of service when you arrive, each elevator is equipped with a two-way voice intercom and instructions in raised print and in Braille on the inside panel and on the outside entrance panel. To use the intercom, press the button and release to contact the Station Collector, who will get the help you need.

Assistance is just a call away

If you need assistance while at a subway station, you have several options:

Speak to the Station Collector on duty in the Collector Booth.

Use the intercom located at the elevator entrance to contact the Collector on duty.

Use the intercom at the Designated Waiting Area on all subway platforms. Instructions on how to use the DWA intercom are listed in raised lettering and Braille on the intercom panel.

Use the public telephones located at station entrances and on all subway platforms. Calling 9-1-1 is always free.

Riding the escalators

The TTC operates and maintains escalators throughout the subway system. Escalators are located at all stations except for Rosedale, Summerhill and Ellesmere Stations.

According to Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority, people who use canes can use escalators on the system, but remember to hold the handrail. People who use major mobility devices (i.e. wheelchairs, scooters or walkers) must use elevators, not escalators.

People with pets, or those accompanied by a service dog, should use an elevator or stairs for the safety of their animal.

Taking advantage of centre platforms

If there is a time on your subway trip that you need to return to your original accessible station, exit your train at the next station that has a centre platform or elevator, cross over to the opposite platform and board the next available train in the return direction. All terminal stations allow customers to return in the opposite direction without changing platforms.